Through this tour you will be intrigued with the charm of Buddhist statuary, which represents people's wishes and prayers. Figures of statues vary according to the development of eras from Asuka period to Muromachi period. At the same time you can visit Nara Park, where you can feed deer. Also you can visit a nice sake tasting place after the tour if you like.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
Kohfukuji Temple and its national treasure museum
Nara Park ( You can enjoy feeding rice-bran crackers to deer.)
Isuien Garden, a strolling-style landscape garden with two different types of gardens built in different ages.
Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall, Nigatsu-do Hall and Hokke-do Hall )
Kasuga Grand Shrine ( Strolling in the cedar forest is very cool and refreshing. )
Local sake tasting at a sake brewery in Nara Machi
Ending Point
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee
lunch, entrance fee ( ¥3600) for Kohfukuji Temple ( the national treasure house ) Isuien Garden and Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall ) and local sake tasting (¥500 or more ) at the sake brewery.
This is a walking tour and it is desirable that you wear walking shoes or sneakers. A pet bottle of water is to be carried with you.
It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.
Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest.
Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise.
One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?
Samuel K.
“Great trip to Nara”
This was a great trip, Yoshie San presented interesting facts about buddism and guided me and my parents around many temples and statues. We also enjoyed feeding the deer. Me and my parents had a great time.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Samuel. Thank you for your polite review for my tour in Nara. It was nice seeing and talking with you and your father and meeting your mother. I am pleased that you and your parents listened to me attentively as I talked about Buddhist statuary. I would like to have a drink with you while you are in Osaka. Feel free to contact me by my e-mail address if you have time. The best of luck! Yoshie
Glenn A.
“One of the best days of our trip”
We spent 14 days in Japan and the day with Yoshi was a highlight. This was a full day customized to our interests. We walked A LOT and saw A LOT and learned A LOT. He is a good communicator about history and culture. He knows the best spots to take a picture.. He helped us in the subway stations to get around. We are world travelers I can confidently say he is among the best guides we have ever had.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Glenn. Thank you so much for your nice review for my tour in Kyoto. I really had a great time guiding and talking with you and your family since you asked me proper questions at each place we visited. I hope you have returned home safely with lots of good memories of Japan. With best wishes. Yoshie
Juan manuel G.
“Best guide ever!”
Meeting Yoshi is an experience in itself. His warmth, kindness, and deep knowledge make him truly unique. He’s the kind of person you’d happily spend hours chatting with over sake and sushi as the plates keep coming. Without a doubt, one of the highlights of our trip. If you have the chance, don’t think twice — Yoshi is the right person to guide you through Kyoto.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Juan. I appreciate your heartwarming comment on my tour in Kyoto. I also had a very pleasant time guiding and talking with you two. I hope our paths will cross again in the near future. Wishing you the best of luck! Yoshie
$230/ per group